Historical discourse on curriculum is most important in writing synoptic texts. Examined are two problems in the way historical material is presented: (1) the problem of ensuring comprehensiveness; and (2) the problem of representing a multidimensional understanding of curriculum. (SI)

Since 1980, an increasing number of state and local education agencies have reintroduced a world history requirement into their secondary curricula. This ERIC Digest examines five key questions related to that trend. Questions raised, together with some salient points made in the discussion of each, are as follows: (1) What is the background to…

The requirement that curriculum planners should first state objectives (behavioral or instructional) as guides to selection of content--the teaching of the content being the means by which the objectives are achieved--is unjustified. There are better approaches to curriculum planning. The abandonment of objectives is necessary for improved…

This paper retraces the early development of the social studies curricular pattern of the 1920s and the subsequent division between social studies advocates, represented by the National Council for the Social Studies, and history-centered supporters, represented largely by the American Historical Association. The document maintains that the…

Reviews the changes in the Japanese social studies curriculum during the past 40 years. Summarizes the goals for a new curriculum as set forth by the Council for School Curriculum (Japan). Reports reaction to this proposal and points out inadequacies in the suggested scope and implementation of materials. (KO)

This paper focuses on the current trends and issues in social studies education based on the literature that passes through the ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education (Indiana). Four trends pertaining to teaching content in history, geography, civics, and science in society have emerged from a review of the literature.…

These papers represent a general discussion of the problems and prospects for teaching Latin American Studies in two-year colleges. More broadly, they highlight the difficulties of introducing any sort of intercultural dimension into the two-year college curriculum. Sheila Tesar discusses the constraints of state regulations and student attitudes…

Discusses the problems of designing a multicultural curriculum that meets the needs of students from a wide variety of social and ethnic backgrounds without compromising their cultural identity or personal integrity. (FMW)

Proceedings of a conference held to discuss the problems of teaching world history are reported. Eight papers are presented. The first four address the issue of world history as an academic discipline. In "The World History Survey Course" William McNeill argues that major curriculum changes take place in this country only when sound pedagogical…

This syllabus outlines art instruction in grades seven and eight and focuses on the visual arts concepts of space and structure, movement, and color and light. The publication is organized under the following sections: (l) Goals and Objectives; (2) Focus: Grades 7 and 8; (3) Scope and Sequence; (4) Developing a Curriculum from This Syllabus; (5)…

Maintains that a required course in public policy analysis can serve as a natural capstone experience for undergraduate curricula in public administration. By teaching analysis, rather than teaching about analysis, undergraduate programs can integrate other elements of the curriculum and prepare students to understand the policy process more…

An examination of the issues surrounding the concept of change is fundamental to curriculum improvement for elementary and middle schools. New beliefs surround an integrative rather than a separate subject isolation approach to curriculum. This report examines past, current, and future curriculum practice and considerations, focusing on a new…